SIBU (Feb 28): Enhanced air connectivity between Malaysia and China is set to play a pivotal role in boosting tourism as airlines ramp up their services ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026. Federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, highlighted that the development of stronger and more frequent flight routes will further facilitate the increasing flow of visitors from China.
According to Tiong, the winter 2025 schedule indicates that China Eastern Airlines is expanding its network in Malaysia, leveraging its robust base in major Chinese cities. The airline, along with its subsidiary Shanghai Airlines, has routes operating from cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, and Nanjing, to key Malaysian destinations including Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, and Penang. These flights are predominantly daily services, with additional frequency during peak times such as the Chinese New Year.
The overall Malaysia-China air connectivity has seen a rise from 82 to 106 routes, with a total of 424 round-trip flights scheduled over a four-week span. This growth enables more direct and convenient flights for passengers traveling to Malaysia’s significant tourist hubs.
Furthermore, Xiamen Airlines is set to enhance its Kuala Lumpur-Nanjing service to daily flights starting March 13, 2026, thereby increasing nonstop capacity. The airline’s network also connects other cities like Fuzhou and Chongqing with Penang and Kota Kinabalu, providing more travel options for visitors from East and South China.
Juneyao Airlines plans to add a new nonstop route from Wuxi to Kuala Lumpur beginning March 19, 2026, with three weekly flights, further strengthening connections from the Yangtze River Delta to Malaysia. Currently, Juneyao operates routes from Shanghai to various Malaysian cities, including Kuala Lumpur and Tawau.
Spring Airlines continues to offer competitive low-cost services on Malaysia-China routes with daily flights from Shanghai and Guangzhou to Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
As Malaysia and China enhance their air connectivity, Tiong believes this will lead to smoother travel experiences and attract more Chinese tourists. With a focus on cultural, culinary, and eco-tourism experiences, the expected increase in visitors is anticipated to significantly bolster tourism spending, contributing to regional economic recovery.